Time for a Personal Rebrand?

Life has thrown me a curve ball and I don’t mean I am playing a game of baseball…..

Over the last three months, my direct sales business has been struggling.  Maybe it is me who has been struggling.  My bag is FULL – MS stuff, recovery, family and trying to continue my business to pay the bills.  It has been some of the worst months in three plus years.  Have I wallowed in a pity pot for a little bit?  YUP!  Did I beat myself up?  YUP!  I totally get how business fluctuates.  I am always grateful for a supportive network of other women business owners who help me to put things in perspective.

I know you are wondering………”what does this have to do with personal branding”, right?  During all of this, I have been thinking about my personal brand.  A way to incorporate my direct sales business with my angels.  I love both but trying to split my time has wrecked havoc on my health (or should I say my thought process).  I know, splitting my time between two loves is not good for either business, right?

What happens when your passion changes over time? In a recent article Dorie Clark‘s quotes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Clark emphasizes, “Your path may make perfect sense to you, but how can you persuade others to embrace your new brand — and take you seriously?”  This is where I’m at right NOW!  I have been in direct sales for 8 plus years and I am known for it, as I transition or merge the two, I need to get my current customers on both sides to embrace my new brand.

A personal rebrand isn’t easy! I mean isn’t it easier to continue along the same path where people know you for what you do best — or at least what they think you do best.  Over time, as your passions change, it’s only natural to pivot into new areas. Remember,  multiple rebranding will hold you back and create confusion, so follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to take your brand to the next level.

#1 Reflect: 

The first step in branding is to reflect on who you are, what you’ve accomplished and how you want the world to see you.  Search yourself on google – search your name, your business, or something people identify with you.  Ask friends you trust for their help.  Here are some  questions to help you to define your brand:

1. What do you want to be known for?
2. What are you good at?  
3. What do you write about, talk about and share share about?  

#2 Define Your Personal Brand: 

You want  to simply stand out in the crowd by focusing on your unique gifts and what makes you different.  Is it something people relate to you?  When they see it, they think of you.  Is it a tagline?  Make a list of all of the things which make you stand out from the crowd.  In direct sales, this is extremely important because you want loyal customers, right?

#3 Create Your Brand:

Now you need to become visible, get yourself out there. Create an active social media presence with a personal website.  If you are in direct sales, you can usually change your URL to a catchy phrase or something which makes you stand out.  I used Go Daddy to change my direct sales website URL to “partywithHope”.  It is short and easy for customers to remember.  As for my angels it is simply a Facebook page of called “Hope’s Angel Connection”. PLUS  I always use my angel wings as a watermark on my graphics as a reminder of me!

#4 Connect to Others: 

Now you have a personal brand.  The next step is being visible in the arenas where you want to be successful. Know who you want your audience to be – stay at home moms, professionals, etc.  Get reviews or endorsements from customers, attend events, and network, to bolster and lend credibility to the brand you are marketing.  Don’t be shy about it – wear your brand every day.  I always have a ThirtyOne bag AND an angel charm on – each draw people into conversations.

Yup, it is really this simple. Remember, the success of personal branding depends on how well your audience understands your vision, and what you do best, as well as your authenticity. Share your brand with us!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Home Business or Hobby?

It is Monday morning and the last week to get Thirty One’s Summer Essential Enrollment Kit to start your own business for just $50.  Are you wondering whether you want to be a true home business owner or just a hobbyist?

The truth is not everyone has the same goals. Some people treat their business as a business and others dabble basically running a fun hobby.  You can do either one which is why direct sales is perfect for everyone.  If you want to truly run a home business which leads to financial success, you need to know the difference between the two!

There are five questions which can help you determine which category you are in – true home business or hobbyist.

1. Do you have a plan of action?

Although having a successful home business can be flexible, you need to have a plan. The plan needs to include what needs to be done and when.  It can also include plans for marketing, knowing your competition, and follow-up.  Customer specials, hostess benefits and company incentives are usually set up by the company so you will just need to include these in your plan when they are announced.  Have a plan on what you are going to do to grow your business?  Contacts?  Parties? Fundraisers?

2. Do you have a schedule?

Remember I said, your business can be flexible?  It is BUT you need to work at your business on a consistent schedule.   Set aside time in your day – EVERY DAY- to work your business in a profit producing way.  Have you scheduled and SHARED your “office hours” with your loved ones and your customers?  Remember working your business doesn’t include reading emails, checking Facebook, blogging, etc – these are all time-consuming activities to help maintain your business.  Working your business ONLY includes actual person-to-person interactions, such as making sales calls, booking parties, setting up recruiting appointments, Hostess Coaching, pink bag calls, etc.

3. Do you have a budgets for your business and are you investing in your business properly?

I struggle with a budget in my business but I am learning to reinvest in my business and myself.  Remember – you must spend money to make money.  I know it is difficult when you want the extra money to pay off debt or for emergencies in the house but your business will not grow when you put zero dollars into building it.  No one “got rich” without some investment.  You invested in the initial Enrollment Kit but it doesn’t end there.  I always tell my team, you are in this to make money – not spend it.  You need decide what to spend, how much and where you are going to spend it so you can grow your business. It doesn’t mean you need every product in the catalog. Things like: business cards, thank you cards, giveaways, etc.  According to the Diva Success System, you should never invest or spend more than $50 per month into your business.

4. Do You know if you ARE making any money? 

The enormous difference between a hobby and a business: Hobbies COST money, Businesses MAKE money. So, do you  KNOW if you are making any money?  I don’t mean, do you have money in you bank account because it only shows what you took in and spent during a given month.  You can use a calculator or a spreadsheet to figure it out.  Let’s look at your last party and see if you made a profit. Look at your expenses  for the party – including gas/mileage, any giveaways or freebies you offered to guests or your hostess.   Once you see your “profit”, look at what you did with the money.  Be honest.

5. Are you investing in your education?

Continuing education is important for business owners as well as in Corporate America. Learn something new- every day. Invest in your education through seminars, courses, and magazines or books. You are investing in yourself, your business success and your future when you take the time to continuously learn. This is a great investment in your greatest business asset … YOU.

I have been working my business for six years, and I will admit, I have fluctuated between hobby and business at times.  My ultimate goal is for a business 24/7 so I have been making changes this year to achieve my goals. You don’t need to do it all at once, take baby steps… Trust me, I get it.  Having tried my own home based business before, it is tempting to play and enjoy your new-found freedom but in order to succeed, you need a solid foundation.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Using Messaging For Business

 

Just a reminder to set your clock BACK tonight.  Yes, it is getting closer to Spring and warmer weather.  I am so excited….

Do you have phone fear?  If you are in direct sales, you have heard the importance of picking up the phone and calling people. Phone fear is feeling like the phone weighs 100 pounds when it comes time to make business calls.  If you experience “telephone fear” and you can overcome it, you’ll make more money. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

I used to have total phone fear which meant I never picked up the phone.  Then someone said “just call and thank them for their business” and plant a seed.  I wrote out a mini script and it worked.  Yes, I do leave lots of messages but I do get some call backs and the chance to talk to some customers.

Now, I seem to have texting and PM fear.  I am doing to my customers the thing I hate most about getting text messages from other direct sellers.  It is time to make a change.

Thank you to Creative Success Systems for these four texting tips.  These techniques are easy, you’ll feel 100% authentic (not like a pushy salesperson), and they’ll increase the likelihood of your customer replying and purchasing.

#1 Don’t mention your company or product.

I know you have received messages where people just ask  you about buying or booking without any interest in you as a person.  You know the message has been copied and pasted a million times.  I have made the same mistake when reaching out to my customers.  I usually feel pressured to buy something or I ignore the message.  So why wouldn’t my customers feel the same way.

Are you friends on Facebook?  Check out  what’s happening in their lives. Send them a message via text on Facebook and ask: “How is your daughter feeling?” “How was your vacation to Disneyland?” “I love your new haircut. Who did your hair?” Get them to talk about themselves. They’re much more likely to respond to a personal question than one about your product.

Often they mention the product you sell. If they don’t, then ask, “I’d love to find out how the product you ordered is working for you. Do you have a minute for me to ask you a couple of quick questions?” Asking permission to talk about products easily transitions the conversation from a friendly chat into one between a concerned consultant and an interested client.

#2 End every message with a question.

How many times have been texting or sending a message on Facebook and the conversation just ends?  Go back to those conversations and see if the last thing you said ended with a period or a question mark.  When you ask questions, people feel compelled to respond.

How many times have we just answered their question or given them information about a product and hoped they would order?  The trick is to add a question at the end of your comment.  For example, if a question is asked about thermals, “what do you usually take for lunch?” or “what were you thinking of using it for?”

By digging deeper into the customer’s needs, you accomplish two things. First, you keep the conversation going so you can create a level of interest in a number of products. Second, you increase the likelihood of closing a deal. I definitely need to practice this one.

#3 Invite them to buy.

Did you know people seldom buy something without an invitation? Think about the last time you bought something.  Did someone ask you “can I help you find something?”?  The salesperson is usually eager to meet your needs, and help you buy what you’re looking for.  There are even pop-up boxes on websites for you join their mailing list or buy their products.  Sometimes even a chat box for customer service to make it a more personal experience.

Social etiquette is we wait for an invitation before we make spending decisions. This rule is the same when you are messaging someone. They’re waiting for you to ask them to purchase or invite them to visit your web site or book a party.

#4 Keep it short and sweet.

Do you read a full text or a long message on Facebook? If it is more than 2 lines, do you skim it and then move on?  So do your customers! Remember Rule Number 1 above, and keep your comments focused on their lives.

The first message is to test the water to see if they’re too busy to talk. On Facebook, only message when you see the green light.  They aren’t always online when it’s green, but the chance is a little higher if it is. After you get a response, reply to what they say, no matter what they say. “I’m sorry XYZ happened.” “Congratulations!” “That’s so exciting.” Validate what they say. Ask ONE additional question and then WAIT again before you move into a business discussion.

Using these four simple techniques may take a little longer to follow-up with customers.  You may not breeze through your list of calls quickly BUT isn’t your goal to build relationships with your customers.  These tips will result in repeat business, more recruit interviews, and growth in your overall business.  I am putting them into action TODAY!  What about you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Goodie Bags

What comes to mind when you think of “goodie bags”?  Do you have visions of cello bags filled with candy?  I remember growing up, every party had a goodie bag – something for the guests to take home to remember the fun they had at the party.  Or if you are in direct sales, maybe you think of the bags you give out to potential customers.  Goodie bags are a great what to share your business with some chocolates or other treats.

Gift bags have become an important part of every milestone – baby showers, bridal showers, Sweet 16 parties, weddings, retirement, graduation and the list goes on, right?  We are always trying to figure out what to put in them especially in these days of food allergies and political correctness.  Why not reach out to your favorite direct sellers and ask them for samples?  Interesting thought right?

Almost every business has samples of some kind that they would love to share with your friends and family.  From samples of soap, nail decor, perfume, lipstick, candy, bookmarks, coloring sheets, etc.  Business people LOVE the free advertising and as “Hosts”, we love the opportunity to save money.  If you are in a business where samples are not available,you can print out bookmarks, recipe cards, candy wrappers, gift bag tags, shopping lists, chore charts, etc all with pretty designs on them along with your business card and a coupon.  Depending on the party or event, would determine what would be donated.

Do one of these special events happen in the next few months while we are in the midst of the busiest season of the year?  Why not make those goodie bags a little more special with a reusable bag.  These festive holiday bags are by Thirty One! Available for a limited time only, each set includes one large pouch and one small pouch, each with a drawstring closure. Large Approx. 15 ¼”H x 13 ½”L Small Approx. 7 ¾”H x 6 ¾”L.  The best part, they are only $5 for the set!

So reach out to your friends in direct sales, help them to promote their business while putting together some unique goodie bags.

I do a goodie bag for kids that includes a coloring sheet, a few crayons, my business card and a mini catalog.  See a mom struggling with a fussy child, share the goodie bag with them.  What fussy child is not quieted by a colorful bag to play with?

What is your next event, you will need a goodie bag for?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day

Business Boosters

Things are pretty busy at our house – we are 1 week away from leaving for North Carolina for our daughter’s wedding.  Tonight I am blessed to be able to be with my Thirty One sisters because we are “Better Together”.  It is our bi-monthly meeting/training.  I love being able to share and learn from each of them.

Today, I want to talk about business boosting ideas and some AWESOME tips that I got from Desiree Wolfe.  I LOVE this Rebel Badass Mom-preneur.  We are heading into the busiest selling season of the year when many of us will do 80% of our business.  Consultants that have been quiet for months will want to grab a piece of the action this selling season.  So, here are a few tips to keep you consistently in front of your customers:

1. Post Your Website on EVERYTHING.

Do you list your website on EVERYTHING – return address labels, signatures in your emails, or business cards in your bill payments if you use snail mail? Is it on every social media site you are on?  If not, you are loosing business.  Consistently driving traffic to your website will increase your visibility and your business.

2. Update your website regularly.

I know you are wondering what to do if you are in direct sales and have a company website, right?  Update your bio on the website, share other links, update your social media profiles, and maybe even write a blog.

3. Participate on other websites and blogs.

Now, this does not mean post your monthly sales or plead for business/recruits.  Engage in conversation that will get your name out there. Use a tag line that when they hear it, they will immediately think of you.  Mine is “Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!”.  Working on one so that I can use my name as an acronym.  Any suggestions?

4. Participate in Charity events.

This is my FAVORITE thing to do.  Be a sponsor and advertise.  Give back a percentage of your sales to the event.  Volunteer your time and be a walking billboard for your products.

5. Create partnerships with other business owners

This is a great way for you BOTH to expand your circle of contacts.  Place a fish bowl to collect cards at a local business.  Hold a joint event (mini vendor event) with other consultants or business owners.

6. Run a contest right on your website.

I do this on my VIP customer group but with a canned direct sales website, this one is tough.  We need to be creative to ensure that the word is spreading beyond your normal circle.  Maybe start a #hashtag that is just yours.  Share it on social media but encourage people to visit the website or answer a mini survey to enter.  I am looking for suggestions for this, share your best tip.

7. Share resources.

If you found a cool site that your audience might benefit from share it. Or maybe you purchased a really awesome gadget. Share the link or even give away a copy in a contest.  I do this on my blog with my Saturday Spotlight.  It is a great way to expand your circle.

8. Be Yourself.

I think this one goes without saying.  When you are genuine in your marketing and your business you’ll attract customers who want to do business with you.

For the complete article, check out Desiree’s blog.  Marketing your business doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Consistency will pay off.  I had someone local request a catalog this week – a friend of a friend.  When I stopped by to drop off the catalog, she said “I knew to reach out to you because I see your face & name everywhere.  You have been doing this a LONG time”  I share and don’t sell.  No pleading for business just sharing the specials and the opportunity in a non-sales way.

So, what is your favorite way of spreading the word about your business? Share your tips with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!